California Employment Lawyer Blog

A Los Angeles sexual harassment lawsuit has been settled after a parochial school employee said she was sexually harassed by the church pastor, FOX News reported.

Our Orange County sexual harassment attorneys and Riverside employment rights lawyers understand the need for experienced, high-quality legal representation for victims who have faced sexual harassment or sexual discrimination in the workplace.

In October 2009, the woman sued the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles and the accused Priest. The case was scheduled to go to trial on Monday but defense attorneys filed paperwork with Los Angeles Superior Court saying the case had been resolved. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

The lawsuit alleged that the woman began working as a janitor and cook at the Epiphany Catholic Church school in 2007. She claimed the priest spanked her and hugged her in a sexual manner. When she complaint, her boss allegedly told her to endure the harassment and hopefully the priest would stop.

She was later placed on medical leave and, when cleared to return to work, the diocese reportedly refused to reinstate her.

Earlier this summer, the judge ruled in favor of the diocese attorneys, finding that the religious organization could not be sued under the state's Fair Employment and Housing Act. However, the judge had permitted the lawsuit to go forward as a violation of civil rights.

Continue reading " Sexual Harassment lawsuit settled against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles " »

A vacation-home rental company will pay $165,000 to settle an employment discrimination lawsuit alleging that it discriminated against Latino employees, according to the Sierra Star.

The Los Angeles office of the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission reported that "An investigation was undertaken that led to a finding of discrimination, harassment and retaliation."

Our Orange County employment attorneys understand the anger and frustration that can come with discrimination in the workplace. Such discrimination, whether based on age, religion, sex or race, can make even the most capable employees feel powerless. Frequently, an employee is hesitant to say anything, or to take action -- particularly in a today's economic environment, where good jobs are scarce. We understand. And we offer confidential consultations to discuss your rights if you feel you have been discriminated against in the workplace.

Wawona Property Management Inc, doing business as The Redwoods -- a vacation home rental company in Yosemite National Park -- was sued in September by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The suit claimed five Latino employees were targeted for harassment, discrimination, increased scrutiny and eventual termination. The suit claimed an operations manager favored non-Latino staff.

The suit also claimed the company's general manager was fired after reporting discriminatory conduct to the company's board of directors.

The California employment lawsuit said the employees were seasonal workers of Mexican and Salvadoran descent, who worked in housekeeping and maintenance. When a new operations manager was hired, the lawsuit claims he took disciplinary action against Latino workers after making disparaging remarks about them. Meanwhile, non-Latino employees who violated company policies were nevertheless promoted.

The EEOC filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, claiming that the discrimination against national origin and harassment and retaliation where a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Redwood has subsequently agreed to revise its policies with respect to discrimination, harassment, retaliation and employee evaluations.

The EEOC reports that cases of discrimination of national origin are up 20 to 40 percent nationwide.

Continue reading " Race Discrimination Lawsuit in California leads to $165,000 settlement involving vacation home rental company " »

An employment lawsuit in Los Angeles has been filed against a clothing company, alleging disability discrimination.

The Mercury News reports that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission flied the lawsuit in federal court.

The EEOC contends that American Apparel Inc. violated federal law when it fired a disabled garment worker on medical leave for cancer treatment. The lawsuit contends the employee requested medical leave to undergo chemotherapy treatment for cancer. His leave was approved and the employee provided the proper documentation about his treatment. His employment was terminated upon his return to work after the company allegedly told him there was no position available for him.

Our Los Angeles employment lawyers understand the devastation that an employer can cause by unfairly terminating an employee facing a health crisis, injury or disability. Unfortunately, the current economy and high unemployment rate can discourage an employee from reporting a work injury or seeking assistance in cases where he or she faces discrimination in the workplace. Laws are in place to protect employees in such situations, while failure to follow proper reporting procedures can limit or even eliminate your right to protect your job and collect damages for violations of law.

Under law, a person with a disability is an employee who:
-Has a mental or physical disability that substantially limits one or more activities.
-Has a history of such impairment.
-Is perceived to have such impairment.

In this case, the EEOC alleges that the apparel company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by denying the garment worker's request for reasonable accommodations and fired him because of his disability. The lawsuit seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive relief to prevent future instances of disability discrimination.

“Workers with disabilities cannot be cast off at the first sign of a disability-related issue,” said Anna Y. Park, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District Office. “Employees have the right to seek and obtain a reasonable accommodation to modify their job, environment or schedule in order to continue working despite disability-related challenges.”

Olophius Perry, district director for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District Office, noted making accommodation for those with disabilities often requires minimal effort on the part of an employer.

“When an employee requests time off or any other type of accommodation related to one’s disability, it is the employer’s legal obligation to consider it," Perry said. "Employers must engage in the interactive process with the employee to assess whether there is a way to accommodate the request or agree to an alternative solution. Often, the cost of accommodation is minimal.”

Continue reading " Employment lawsuit filed against Los Angeles apparel maker alleges disability discrimination " »